Table 1.

Clinical and microbiological diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of NTM-PD

Clinical/Radiological 1a. Pulmonary symptoms 1b. Radiological—nodules, cavities and airways disease with bronchiectasis, bronchial wall thickening, mucus plugging and centrilobular nodules. 2. Appropriate exclusion of other diagnoses such as lung carcinoma and TB

Microbiological  Positive culture results from at least two separate expectorated sputum samples; if the results are non-diagnostic, consider repeat sputum AFB smears and cultures.  Positive culture results from at least one bronchial wash or lavage.  Transbronchial or other lung biopsy with mycobacterial histopathological features (granulomatous inflammation or AFB) and positive culture for NTM or biopsy showing mycobacterial histopathological features (granulomatous inflammation or AFB) and one or more sputum or bronchial washings that are culture-positive for NTM.

AFB, acid-fast bacteria; ATS, American Thoracic Society; NTM, non-tuberculous mycobacteria; NTM-PD, non-tuberculous mycobacterial pulmonary disease.

Adapted from BTS and ATS guidelines.^1,4